Beyond GMP

Applying to GMP

What are the requirements to enroll in GMP?

GMP participants are working as general managers or their successors, overseeing full-service hotels. Eligible position titles may include: general manager, hotel manager, managing director, assistant general manager, executive assistant manager, and director of operations.

Our application review process ensures that each GMP class comprises hospitality industry professionals of the highest caliber. Participants are men and women from around the world who are making a difference in the industry—from guiding their teams on the front lines to planning for the long-term prosperity of their businesses.

Many cultures enrich the GMP experience, but courses are presented in English. We do not require a TOEFL score; however, to participate in and benefit from the courses, participants must have well-developed English-language communication and reading-comprehension skills.

The application will be reviewed by the Office of Executive Education and we will contact you, usually within two business days, to advise you of your status.

Is there a deadline to apply?

Although there is no deadline, you should apply as soon as possible to reserve a space in the class, make the necessary lodging and travel arrangements, and process your visa, if needed. Also, please note that some of the payment incentives have deadlines.

What are future GMP session dates?

January 14-24, 2019
June 10-20, 2019

Fees and Payment

What is the cost of GMP, and what is included in the fee?

The program fee includes instructional materials, most meals, and first-year dues for affiliate membership
in the Cornell Hotel Society, an alumni organization with an international membership of more than 12,000.

What payment incentives are offered?

What is your cancellation policy?

When do I have to pay?

A deposit is due after your application has been accepted to secure your place. The remainder of the fee is due approximately two months prior to the program. In all cases, the full fee must be paid before the program begins.

What methods of payment do you accept?

Payment of the program fee can be made by credit card, check, or wire transfer (see Make a Payment).

What is not included in the fee?

You are responsible for your travel to and from Ithaca, Statler Hotel accommodations and incidentals (such as parking and laundry), meals not included in the program package, alcoholic beverages, and personal activities and purchases.

What scholarships are available?

There are no Cornell scholarships available for GMP currently. You may wish to check with your local and regional hospitality/business associations to explore possible funding sources. Some organizations, such as the Caribbean Hotel Association, offer scholarship opportunities to their members. If your organization wishes to offer a scholarship, contact the Office of Executive Education.

Is there an orientation to attend?

When do classes begin and end?

Can I arrive late or leave early?

Attendance during all class sessions is required, and at the end of the program, you are awarded a certificate of completion that attests to your achievement. It is also very important that you are present at the graduation ceremony on the final night to receive your certificate.

Is there advance preparation?

To prepare for class work, there are assignments to be completed in advance for many of the sessions. These may be readings, analyses, or assessments and are essential to your full participation in the program. Approximately six weeks before the program begins, you will have access to the participant website that will contain the assignments and other pertinent information.

Can I buy class material instead of attending the program?

We do not offer GMP class material for sale. It is available only to those who attend the program.

Can I record or videotape the classes?

Audio recording or videotaping of the classes is strictly prohibited.

Am I eligible to become a member of the Cornell Hotel Society after attending GMP?

Yes, after attending GMP you qualify to be an affiliate member of the Cornell Hotel Society (CHS), an extensive alumni network of more than 12,000 School of Hotel Administration graduates. The first year's dues are included in the program fee. CHS has a global reach of over 50 chapters on six continents and affiliate members can participate in and take advantage of certain alumni resources and events. (Please note: GMP participants are not considered Cornell alumni, as this designation is reserved for graduates of a degree program.)

Travel and Lodging

Where will I be staying?

GMP will be conducted at The Statler Hotel, where you will experience exceptional service and deluxe accommodations (AAA Four Diamond Award winner) while in the heart of Cornell’s beautiful campus. You will arrange and pay directly for your Statler Hotel accommodations.

Where will I be dining?

The program fee includes breakfast and lunch buffets provided to the group in The Statler Hotel. In the evenings, when program events are not scheduled, you are free to dine where you wish (not included in the program fee). We will provide transportation on these evenings to take participants in small groups to their restaurant of choice. This will give you another opportunity to network with your peers, and to experience more of our charming city. Ithaca has more restaurants per capita than New York City!

What is the Internet access at the Statler Hotel?

Guestrooms have complimentary high-speed Internet access with both wired and wireless connections. Public areas use Cornell-Visitor (wireless, non-secure; requires daily registration). The hotel also offers several computer/printer stations.

How do I get a visa?

How do I get to the Cornell campus in Ithaca, New York?

Can you assist with my flight or other travel arrangements?

Participants must make their own travel arrangements; however, we would be pleased to provide general information and answer questions. See Traveling to Ithaca.

What is the appropriate attire?

To promote a comfortable learning environment, attire for the General Managers Program is casual and informal, including the opening night event. Casual dress is also acceptable for dining in local restaurants. However, we request you wear social business attire for the final evening group photograph and graduation banquet. If you are more comfortable in attire that is customary or traditional in your country, you may certainly dress accordingly.

What should I be sure to pack?

Although the temperature in the conference facilities is controlled, you may wish to bring a light jacket or sweater for your personal comfort. You should also bring outdoor clothing and footwear suitable for the season's weather.

Please bring with you a basic calculator for use in class. If you are traveling from outside of the United States, you may need to bring an adapter for any electrical devices you have (such as a computer or razor). The Statler Hotel uses 110-to-120-volt AC at 60 cycles. Adapters are very difficult to purchase in Ithaca, so please plan ahead.

Also, you might want to consider allowing room in your bag, or bringing an extra one, for items you will receive and/or buy while you are here. This is often less expensive than shipping costs.

What is the weather like in Ithaca?

In January, winter temperatures vary from -5º to 30º F, (-20º to -1º C), and snow accumulation is expected.

June's summer temperatures vary during the day from 70º to 95º F (21º to 35º C), and 55º to 70º F (13º to 21º C) in the evenings. Extreme lows of 40º F (4º C) and highs of 100º F (38º C) have been recorded, but are very unusual. Rain showers are not uncommon.

Can my family members accompany me?

We discourage participants from bringing family members. The program is rigorous and time demands on participants are not limited to the daytime sessions. In addition, there are group assignments and networking events that occupy many nights.